Destin's Hold (The Alliance #5)(45)

“What happened to Drex?” Prymorus asked dispassionately.

“He was killed by the Trivators. Drex risked everything to host one of Cordus Kelman’s fighters, a Trivator, then capture Chancellor Razor. The fight ring was shut down and Bruttus is now under the control of the Alliance Council,” Cartis replied, pulling a dirty cloth out of his pocket and holding it under his chin to stop the bleeding.

“How did you get here?” Prymorus inquired.

“Brutus was crawling with Trivators after that, but before I left, I saw an unusual female, a human, one that I didn’t have a chance in hell of taking with me, but I knew there’d be a high demand to own one. I bartered for transportation off the spaceport. I eventually ran into Omini. He knew of a group running a slave ring that had purchased a large group of human females. We went to find out where they came from, but arrived too late. The females had been delivered to an Armatrux trading asteroid to house until they could be sold. Two Trivators discovered the females, killed the guards, and returned them here. There are big credits to be had…. Omini said he had run weapons with you when he was younger and that you might overthrow the Armatrux.”

“My interest is larger than the trafficking of a few human females,” Prymorus stated with a wave of his hand. “If you are shipping slaves off the planet, you must have some knowledge of the Trivator security and personnel.”

“I know there are not as many as there were. A Trivator named Cutter has taken command of the forces here. I have been told Chancellor Razor eliminated the last of the large scale human resistance. While small pockets still exist, the Trivators are monitoring them and are working with the human leaders to contain it,” Cartis said, with a wary expression.

“I am aware of the events you speak of. I want specific information about the security of their base camps, and what is happening within them,” Prymorus demanded, twirling the knife he was holding between his fingers.

Cartis eyed the knife before jerking his gaze back to Prymorus’ face. “I saw an arrival today at the city’s main headquarters. I heard their leader had returned from the Trivator home world. I can gather the other information you are requesting. One of my assignments is in the Trivator base, down near the lake,” Cartis muttered, nervously licking his lips again. “I also overheard that a Waxian ship had been destroyed off one of the outer planets.”

“I am aware of the Waxian warship’s destruction. What can you tell me about the human leader?” Prymorus demanded with a wave of his hand.

“I heard his name is Destin Parks and that his sibling is the mate of Chancellor Razor. He arrived with the new Usoleum Councilor and another Trivator a few hours ago,” Cartis informed, blinking nervously.

Prymorus took a step closer to the Raftian. He assessed the male for several long seconds. The male could prove useful – as would the Jawtaw. The Waxians and Armatrux had a tense working arrangement. He would not contact them until he was ready to make a move. “You will work for me now. I want information on the Trivators movements. I also want information on Destin Parks and the Usoleum Council woman,” he instructed briskly.

“I…,” Cartis started to argue before reluctantly nodding his head. “I will find out whatever information you request.”

“Make sure you do, Raftian. Keep our meetings private if you value your life,” Prymorus warned.

“What about Omini? Will he be informed about what is going on?” Cartis asked.

“I will deal with the Jawtaw. You will bring me back a detailed report of the Trivator movements in this area, but more importantly, I want the location and movements of Destin Parks.”

“It will take me a few days to do it without raising any suspicions,” Cartis warned. “The last thing I want is for the Trivators to discover the shipment of females scheduled for departure at the end of the month. Omini wouldn’t like it if we lost that many credits.”

“I will give you three revolutions of the planet to get me the information. If you do not have it, I will find someone who can,” Prymorus stated in a cold tone that left no doubt in Cartis’ mind as to what would happen to him if he failed. “Go and report back in three Earth days.”

“Yes, sir,” Cartis replied, backing out of the room before turning and hurrying through the freighter.

Prymorus stood still, deep in thought. The Armatrux could be a problem, but they would scatter the moment the Drethulans arrived. The Armatrux could fight, but their numbers had been decimated centuries before when they tried to take over the Drethulan home world, unaware of what lay beneath the sands. Still, they may prove to be a good distraction when the Drethulans arrived. Until then, he would begin preparations for an internal attack.

“Slice through the artery and watch them bleed before removing their head,” Prymorus murmured, returning to his seat and the neglected screen he had left up. He sat back in the chair, gazing thoughtfully at the image. “Councilor Ikera and Destin Parks will be a good beginning.”





14





Destin leaned back against the lift and ignored Trig. He hadn’t felt this relaxed – ever. His body was still humming from the events a short time ago and he couldn’t quite hide the pleased smile that curved his lips.

It had been a long time since he had completely let go of the strict control he kept over his mind and body. He wasn’t completely sure what the hell just happened upstairs between him and Sula, but whatever it was, he wanted more. He had felt a connection to her that went beyond what they had shared on board the Star Raider. The wild abandon, with an almost primitive explosion of need, had excited him with a vision of what the future could hold.